Scientific Method

Scientific Method is a structured and organized series of steps taken in an experiment to ensure a consistent, reproducible, and controlled outcome.

Steps in the scientific method:

To Be or Not to Be…

What’s the difference between a theory and a law?

Scientific Law: a statement that describes a relationship between phenomenon that has been consistently observed through experimentation. Laws may be expressed either mathematically (in equation form) or in stated.

Example: Law of Conservation of Matter states that matter is conserved, never created nor destroyed. The carbon cycle is one example. Propane fuel, consisting mainly of carbon, is burned to produce heat and residual carbon dioxide. The amount of carbon in propane remains conserved as it is transformed from propane to carbon dioxide in the equation below:

C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

Scientific Theory: an explanation of observations in nature that have been substantiated over time. While there is significant data and observations to support theories, they still have their detractors (evolution, Big Bang, etc) and not easily observable like laws. Don’t discount theories, however, as they are a mainstay of scientific literature.

Example: Einstein’s Theory of Relativity (who’s going to argue with Einstein?) of time and space as relative rather than absolute. This is difficult to “observe,” and therefore show definitive proof, unlike a law.

About ChemistryBytes

ChemistryBytes was started as a simple and direct way to help students digest Chemistry concepts in "byte" sized portions. ChemBytes, as it is known, features write ups on various Chemistry concepts, as well as videos that make following along a fun and easy task.